In order to better appreciate the uses of an articulating microscope, it is usually best to know what an articulating microscope is. Many know that a microscope is an optic device or tool that contains one or several magnifying lenses. This instrument is used to make very small things, usually those that are not readily seen by the naked eye, visible. Meanwhile, articulating in this context just means the presence of joints. Thus, an articulating microscope is a microscope that has an articulating arm, a stand that is connected or united by a joint.

It is important to note that the main difference between articulating microscopes with other optic microscopes is the stand. An articulating microscope can be any optic microscope attached to a jointed stand. This type of microscope has arms that retracts, moves, and swings on a spring-loaded structure. Thus, articulating microscopes are more flexible and adaptable compared to other microscopes that have upright and rigid stands.

Many people, companies and laboratories prefer microscopes with articulating arm stands than the ones that have common post stands because the articulating microscopes provide greater and wider range of movements. Since the arms of articulating microscopes are moveable, you do not need a big workspace because you can retract the microscope when not in use.

The most basic use of a microscope, regardless of type, is the magnification or enlargement of an object, particularly those that are minute or infinitesimal. Thus, articulating microscope is essentially used in helping us see the details of small objects. If you are interested in knowing the other special uses of articulating microscopes, then read on and find out.

Uses Of An Articulating Microscope

Forensic examination

As you may have seen in movies and television series, crime scene and forensic investigation often require the use of microscopes to see details of hair samples, piece of clothing, and other pieces of evidence. A microscope with an articulating arm is commonly used in police, forensic, and other government laboratories because it helps maximize workspace. The ability to move the microscope up, down and side to side also helps police officers and investigators look at the evidence or document at different angles and light conditions.

Art repair and restoration

People in museums and art galleries usually need a flexible microscope to help them repair and restore art pieces. Since art collections in such places are usually priceless, utmost care and consideration is needed when paintings, sculpture and other art pieces and artifacts are being cleaned, repaired or restored. Articulating microscopes, with its vast range of movement, usually make the work of people tasked of cleaning, restoring and repairing such priceless items easier.

Dental and medical applications

The most common type of articulating microscopes used by medical and dental professionals is the one with a mobile stand. This particular kind of articulating microscope provides the utmost flexibility and mobility because you can easily bring it to any workspace because of its mobile structure. Articulating microscope is ideal when making dental braces, wires and other instruments. Moreover, such a microscope is also ideal in research of cells, tissues, drugs, and other medical-related activities.

Engraving Assignments

Another common use of articulating microscopes is in engraving jobs. Since people working on engraving, particularly in small items or small places, need their hands to do the task, they need a microscope that can easily be moved and swung around. They need the flexibility provided by articulating microscope to do engravings in firearms, jewelries and other objects.

Surface Mount Device or Circuit Board Work

The chips and circuits that are inside our computers and other gadgets are usually very small. The reason why cameras, mobile phones, music players and other appliance are getting smaller is that the chips, circuit board and other components that make such gadgets work are also getting smaller. Thus, people working with SMD and circuit boards need articulating microscope to help them solder integrated circuits and chips to boards and devices easily.

Watch Repair

The components of watches are very small and easy to loose. Thus, watchmakers and repairmen need articulating microscope so that they will be able to see the parts easily, while they can use their hands freely to repair and put together the pieces of a watch. Some watches you can see nowadays are very small, especially ladies dress watches, so repairmen and makers really need the flexibility of articulating microscope to create these masterpieces.

As you can see, the uses of an articulating microscope is not only limited to medical related activities. This type of microscope with articulating arm is used to examine evidence, make and repair watches and other appliances, restore art pieces, artifacts and fossils, and the inspection of various small objects.